I begin tonight with FANTASTIC news!! The Board of Directors of the Curtiss Mansion in Miami Springs, Fl has approved putting the memorial on their grounds!!!!! We are thrilled!!! As Ron, myself, Patti & I promised.......it will become a reality no matter how long it takes us and our fellow crew members and passengers (your loved ones) WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!! We have carried them in our hearts for 41 years! A quarry in RI (my home state) contacted us after the 40th and said they will donate the granite & will have it shipped free! We will need to raise at least $300,000 and will begin fundraising in earnest in January. We will dedicate it sometime in 2014, possibly on the 42nd anniversary if not before. By the way, when we trained to be stewardesses we lived at the Miami Springs Villas which were right at the beginning of the Curtiss Mansion! They could not save them during renovation. I will check to be sure we get a final picture of the memorial to this site. The names of your loved ones who did not survive will be engraved on bronze plaques on the side. It will also list the survivors on another plaque. You cannot imagine the joy we feel as we see our dream becoming a reality!! I will have Peter post where donations can be sent. All donations no matter how small will be most appreciated. We are hoping to get a couple of corporate sponsors. And now to tonight......as we all remember. I was just outside in my porch before writing this & I am in the flight path of approach to Ft Lauderdale airport. I heard a plane & looking up at it I thought of the approach 41 years ago....of the families & friends waiting to greet many of our passengers including children, a baby and a little dog. I thank God for the blessing of 401.....the fact that we did nt know we were about to crash. There was no fear. That only came during the seconds of the crash and for most, their lives ended quickly. For many of the survivors, months of recuperation lay ahead. No, we NEVER forget. Sometimes 41 years seems like yesterday. I wish everyone could have survived. But their lost lives were not in vain and they should be remembered! Several important safety features came about because of the crash of Flt 401. Ron's bride of 20 days would not survive. He made a promise she would never be forgotten. And so on this Decemer 29th 2013 we remember all who were lost and assure you their memory is in our hearts. To all of our fellow survivors, we along with you once again give thanks. On behalf of Ron, myself, Patti and Mercy we send our love to you all and we look forward to seeing you at the dedication!! Please post your comments about the memorial & if you would like us to call you, let us know. We will be monitoring the board now on a daily basis. A blessed, happy & healthy NewYear! Peter .....THANK YOU for this site!!!!!!!! Beverly Raposa EAL Flt 401 Stewardess survivor
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